NEW AND BEAUTIFUL ROCK PLANTS 115 



are lilac or purple, but the colour is variable ; a singular 

 effect is produced when some of the flowers are open and 

 others still unexpanded, as there is a remarkable contrast 

 of colour. Beesiana resembles Bulleyana in habit, but 

 has purplish magenta flowers with yellow eye. Lichian- 

 gensis resembles cortusoides, of which it is perhaps a 

 variety ; it bears heads of dull purplish red flowers on 

 6-inch stems. 



Many of the most important Primulas only thrive 

 to perfection in damp, cool places near water. What 

 applies to rosea and Japonica in this respect applies 

 equally to pulverulenta, and also to denticulata and its 

 varieties. The smaller Primulas will succeed in crevices 

 of the rockwork, but none cares for a hot, dry site with 

 poor, thin soil. For such positions the cheaper coloured 

 Primroses, which can be raised in quantity from seed 

 or by division after flowering, should be used, and if they 

 lack special interest they are at least beautiful plants. 

 Special ways of using them are referred to in the chapter 

 on Bedding. 



In raising Primulas from seed it is wise to sow as soon 

 after the seed ripens as possible, in order to get fairly 

 quick germination. Even so there may be irregularities 

 in the starting, some seeds germinating weeks or months 

 after the others. The sowing may be done in boxes of 

 loam, leaf-mould and sand in pans or boxes, which should 

 be set in a cool frame. Once fairly started the seedlings 

 will give no trouble if they are supplied with adequate 

 moisture. Seeds gathered or bought and sown in early 

 summer will yield good plants for the next year's 

 flowering. 



PRUNELLA (SELFHEAL). Although not a choice 

 plant Prunella grandiflora may be mentioned as worth a 



